Floating Bioreactor System

ABSTRACT

An aeration and microbial reactor system for use in decontaminating water including a housing adapted to float within the medium such that a top portion thereof remains adjacent a top surface of the contaminated water while the bioreactor containing inoculated carrier media is attached below. Beneficial microbial populations thrive and spread throughout the liquid medium, and consume or fix the contaminant such that the contaminant is removed from the water.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Nonprovisional patent application related to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/317,715 filed Mar. 26, 2010entitled “FLOATING BIOREACTOR SYSTEM”, Attorney Docket No. PGI-101-P,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and claimsany and all benefits to which it is entitled therefrom.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an aeration device and microbialbioreactor system for use in a liquid medium. More specifically, theinvention relates to floating bioreactor systems that can be adapted toapplications for treatment of water, leachate and industrial waste inrivers, streams and creeks, as well as water in aquariums and domesticseptic systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Subsurface aeration seeks to release bubbles at the bottom of the pondand allow them to rise by the force of gravity. Diffused aerationsystems utilize bubbles to aerate as well as mix the pond. Waterdisplacement from the expulsion of bubbles can cause a mixing action tooccur, and the contact between the water and the bubble will result inan oxygen transfer.

Bioreactors are also designed to treat sewage and wastewater. In themost efficient of these systems there is a supply of free-flowing,chemically inert media that acts as a receptacle for the bacteria thatbreaks down the raw sewage. Aerators supply oxygen to the sewage andmedia further accelerating breakdown. In the process, the liquidsBiochemical Oxygen Demand BOD is reduced sufficiently to render thecontaminated water fit for reuse. The biosolids are collected forfurther processing or dried and used as fertilizer, agricultural feed,etc.

Subsurface aeration, bioreactors and most likely a combination of bothare commonly employed to treat sewage water, recycle wastewater andother water treatment applications both industrially or domestically.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system that consists of an apparatusfor aerating and circulating a liquid medium and at the same time anapparatus for the continuous microbial bio-remediation of organic wastein rivers, sewers and other waste laden environments utilizing in-situmicrobial seeding.

The present invention is a microbe bio-reactor designed to work in openwater such as lakes and ponds and in lagoons and tanks to clean up waterbiologically. It can clean tip water in a short amount of time and willbe energy efficient. It works by having imbedded microbes in, and theseare stores in its main reactor chamber that is a slotted pipes.

The core of its main reactor chamber is a perforated hose. Air is pumpedinto the perforated hose and is released all along the pipe. The air isdiffused in the water surrounding this and this causes the water to riseand it circulate the microbe with the dirty water. This feeds themicrobes imbedded in the media and this causes the microbes to replicateand thus releasing billions of microbes every second. As the microbesare release upward it is oxygenated greatly by the main hose diffusersand this causes the microbes to multiply even much more.

At the top of the water, the water is pushed out and is mixed causingeven more microbial growth. At the surface of the water, it again isexposed to the atmosphere and is not only evenly spread out, it is againoxygenated and thus multiplying organisms even more.

The microbes create an even larger zone of air and/or oxygen transfer tothe water, thus facilitating even more microbial growth. Thus, all alongthe water flow cycle, the present invention generates even more microbesin the expense of minimum electricity usage of the approximate range of2 HP.

As the water is pulled down under the tank or water body, it pulls downnot only microbes but increases dissolved oxygen such that microbialgrowth at the bottom of the tank or water body is greatly enhanced.Thus, water is cleaned and revived. In addition, the process removeshydrogen sulfide present in the contaminated water or other liquidmedium. The process also reduces methane, a green house gas, formationto help preserve the environment.

An advantage of the present invention is that biosolids and/or sludgehandling is eliminated. The biosolids are eaten up and consumed by themicrobes, thus eliminating the need for sludge and biosolids handlingequipment, disposal, etc. In addition, having the microbes on thesurface of the water increases the efficiency of oxygen transfer in thebioreactor.

Another object of the present invention is the very small amounts ofelectricity consumed due to high efficiency which helps to reduce energyconsumption.

Another object of the present invention is that the biosafety level onemicrobes can inhabit the micropores in the rocks and river beds of thestreams and keep on improving even after the bioreactor is disengagedalthough the effect is much better to leave it in place.

Another object of the present invention is that even without expensivemembrane filters, the bioreactor can be applied to sewage with resultsthat clean waste water to bod less than 5 or less than 1 and then it ispercolated and the treated waste water can recharge ground water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a representative upper front perspective view of floatingbioreactor system 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a representative graph showing the relationship betweenStandard Oxygen Transfer Rate [SOTR] and various Total Dissolved Solids[TDS] values of the liquid medium.

FIG. 1C is a representative graph showing the relationship betweenStandard Aeration Efficiency [SAE] and various Total Dissolved Solids[TDS] values of the liquid medium.

FIG. 1D is a representative graph showing the relationship betweenStandard Aeration Efficiency [SAE] and various Salt Concentration [TDS]values of the liquid medium.

FIG. 1E is a representative graph showing the relationship betweenStandard Aeration Efficiency [SAE] and various Salt Concentration [TDS]values of the liquid medium.

FIG. 2 is a representative upper front perspective view of an in situbioreactor container 200 of floating bioreactor system 100 of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a representative view showing the method of application of thefloating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a representative view showing one method of adaption of analternative embodiment, viz. aquarium bioreactor and aerator system 400.

FIG. 4B is a representative side view of bioreactor and aerator combo401 of aquarium bioreactor and aerator system 400.

FIG. 4C is a representative side partially exposed view of bioreactorand aerator combo 401 of aquarium bioreactor and aerator system 400.

FIG. 5A is a representative view showing one method of adaption of analternative embodiment, viz. home septic bioreactor and aerator system500.

FIG. 5B is a representative side view of home septic unit 501 of homeseptic bioreactor and aerator system 500.

FIG. 5C is a representative side partially exposed view of home septicunit 501 of home septic bioreactor and aerator system 500.

FIG. 6A is a representative view showing one method of adaption of analternative embodiment, viz. aero dynamic mixer bioreactor and aeratorsystem 600.

FIG. 6B is a representative side view of aero dynamic mixer 601 of aerodynamic mixer bioreactor and aerator system 600.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in theart to make and use the present invention, and is provided in thecontext of a particular application and its requirements. Variousmodifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may beapplied to other embodiments and applications without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the inventionis to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with theprincipals and features described herein.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate [SOTR] —Pounds of oxygen transferred towater per hour [lbs O₂/hour]. SOTR is measured in clean water when thedissolved oxygen [DO] concentration is zero at all points in the watervolume, the water temperature is 20° C., at a barometric pressure of1.00 atm [101 kPa].

Standard Aeration Efficiency [SAE]—Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate perunit total power input.

SAE is typically expressed as the pounds of oxygen transferred to thewater per hour per HP [lbs O₂/hour/HPwire], and is sometimes referred toas SAE Wire. SAE is used as a measure of how efficiently an aerator istransferring oxygen.

FIG. 1A is a representative upper front perspective view of floatingbioreactor system 100 of the present invention. Floating bioreactorsystem 100 of the present invention has a housing 102. In oneembodiment, housing 102 is made of fiberglass that is strong enough tosupport the weight of the entire floating bioreactor system 100 withoutthe assistance of buoyance and is not prone to corrosion, degradation inthe presence of water and/or other liquid medium, including salt wateror waste water with other chemicals. Housing 102 of floating bioreactorsystem 100 can be assembled by nuts and bolts or other optimalmechanical fastening means. As shown in FIG. 1A, a plurality of floats120 are attached to housing 102 on both sides. The main function offloats 120 is to lend buoyance to the entire floating bioreactor system100 such that the present invention is able to float and maintain anappropriate buoyance level within the liquid medium. Optionally, floats120 are inflatable or otherwise adjustable so buoyancy and waterline ofthe overall housing 102 can be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 1A, blower 104 is placed on top of housing 102. In oneembodiment, blower 104 is a 1.75 kW regenerative blower which is anideal solution for moving large volume of air at lower pressures or nearvacuum. The main function of blower 104 is to be an air source for theaeration process of the present invention 100. Using blower 104 can beone of the most cost effective methods for producing pressure or vacuum.Filter 106 cleans particulate from the air that goes in and throughblower 104 to avoid dust or oil in contact with diffuser grids 130.

As best shown in FIG. 1A, blower 104 is connected to diffuser grids 130via diverter 150 and subsequently hoses 152. Hoses 152 are attached todiverter 150 to receive the necessary air for diffuser grids 130. In oneembodiment, diverter 150 spreads the air generated from blower 104evenly to diffuser grids 130 via a plurality of hoses 152. The mainfunction of diffuser grids 130 is to create aeration within the liquidmedium that the present invention 100 is trying to clean. In alternativeembodiments, multiple diffuser grids 130 can be installed and connectedto blower 104 to increase overall effectiveness and scale of cleaningpower of floating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention.

For efficient aeration system, whether it is an aeration system ordevice splashes, sprays, or diffuses air, an important factor is howmuch surface area it creates. The surface area is where water/liquidmedium contacts air and where oxygen transfer takes place. Smallerbubble size results in more surface area, which is why fine bubbleaeration devices are superior in oxygen transfer than coarse bubbleaerators. To maximize aeration efficiency in a system, an aerator mustcreate fine bubbles while expending a minimum amount of energy. The mainpurpose is to have a high SOTR and SAE for the aeration system.

In one embodiment, there are a number of commercially available diffusergrids 130 that can be incorporated in the floating bioreactor system 100of the present invention. Most of these models resemble what has beendisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,164, issued Sep. 22, 1998 to Mitchellentitled “AERATION PIPE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME”, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One of the commercialmodels is Aero-Tube™ diffuser grids. One of the most important structurefor the extremely high performance and efficiency of diffuser grids 130is the adaptation of hose segments 132 which, through a uniquecombination of technique and raw material, creates numerous micro-pores134 throughout the length of hose segments 132. These micro-pores 134create tiny air bubbles and hence high surface area, which allows theefficient transfer of air into the water. In one embodiment, diffusergrids 130 are made up of hose segments 132. Preferably, hose segments132 are made from thermoset polymer particles in a matrix ofthermoplastic binder material, which may be made according to a methoddescribed in the '164 patent.

In one embodiment, the specifications of hose segments 132 are in theapproximate range as follows: Outside Diameter, 1.00 inch (2.54 cm);Inside Diameter, 0.500 inch (1.27 cm); Wall Thickness, 0.250 inch (0.635cm); Weight, 0.220 lbs per foot (0.327 kg per meter); Roll Length, 200ft. (60.98 meters); Roll Weight, 44 lbs. (19.9 kg); Burst Pressure, 80PSI (5.5 bar).

Due to the number of pores created during the manufacturing process,there is little resistance created when pushing air through hosesegments 132. Resistance equals energy demand hence diffuser grids 130uses significantly less horsepower when compared with traditionalmethods of aeration such as bubblers, paddlewheels, aspirators, lessefficient tubing, etc. Moreover, diffuser grids 130 bare tiny pore sizewhich creates bubbles with extremely small diameters. The smaller thegas bubbles, the more efficiently they transfer oxygen into water. Smallbubbles also take longer to rise once they are introduced into water.Slower rising, small-diameter bubbles mean more contact with the waterand a much higher rate of oxygen transfer. By creating significantlysmaller bubbles, more efficiently, diffuser grids 130 are able todeliver high rates of oxygen transfer [SOTR] and energy efficiency[SAE].

As shown in FIG. 1A, bioreactor pump 108 is also mounted on housing 102.In one embodiment, bioreactor pump 108 is a relatively less powerfulpump in the range of about 60 W that supplies air to the in situbioreactor container 200. Bioreactor hose 140 that connects bioreactor200 also transfers air from bioreactor pump 108 to the bioreactor 200for the biocarrier media therein. Air and nutrients are supplied to themicrobial population which are located within the biocarrier media. Inone embodiment, bioreactor 200 is secured at the bottom of housing 102and underneath diffuser grids 130 to provide continuous in-situ additionof beneficial microbes directly within an environment to be treatedthereby permitting optimized mineralization of waste being treated aswell as acclimation of the microbes to such waste.

FIG. 1B is a representative graph showing the relationship betweenStandard Oxygen Transfer Rate [SOTR] and various Total Dissolved Solids[TDS] values of the liquid medium of both commercial diffuser grids 130and traditional aeration device like paddle wheel. As best shown in FIG.1B, diffuser grids 130 performs better than paddle wheel throughout therange of TDS from 0 to approximately 35,0000 mg/L. This demonstratesthat using diffuser grids 130 is an effective, improved method foraeration [higher SOTR].

FIG. 1C is a representative graph showing the relationship betweenStandard Aeration Efficiency [SAE] and various Total Dissolved Solids[TDS] values of the liquid medium of both commercial diffuser grids 130and traditional aeration device like paddle wheel. As best shown in FIG.1C, diffuser grids 130 performs better than paddle wheel throughout therange of TDS from 0 to approximately 35,0000 mg/L. Proofing that usingdiffuser grids 130 is a much more cost efficient method for aeration[higher SAE].

FIG. 1D is a representative graph showing the relationship betweenStandard Aeration Efficiency [SAE] and various Salt Concentration [TDS]values of the liquid medium for most common aeration methods includingAero-Tube™. FIG. 1E is a representative graph showing the relationshipbetween Standard Aeration Efficiency [SAE] and various SaltConcentration [TDS] values of the liquid medium for most common aerationmethods including Aero-Tube™. An internationally recognized engineeringfirm conducted performance tests on the aeration tube in both fresh andsalt water environments. In a controlled study, they compared an airliftaerator utilizing Aero-Tube™ technology with an equal horsepower paddlewheel and brush paddle wheel aerator, two of the most popular aerationtechnologies on the market today.

Aero-Tube™ performed extremely well in all areas, including its abilityto transfer oxygen to water, expressed in terms of a standard oxygenrate [SOTR], and its efficiency in terms of pounds of oxygen perkilowatt-hour [the standard aerator efficiency or SAE Wire, rate].

In the fresh water testing, the Aero-Tube™ aerator exceeded the paddlewheel's energy efficiency [SAE Wire] by up to 2.6 times.

Aero-Tube™ aeration tubing performed even better in the salt water test.As the density of the water's salt content increased [from 5,000 mg to35,000 mg], the oxygen advantage of the Aero-Tube™system steadily rose.At 35,000 mg/L NaCl, the energy efficiency of Aero-Tube™ aerator was asmuch as 4.2 times the efficiency of the paddle wheel.

While performance of diffuser grids 130 may vary among different brandsand models, in general diffuser grids 130 are considered one of the mosteffective and cost efficient aeration devices because nearly all of theenergy used to deliver the air that goes through hoses 140 and hosesegments 132 goes directly into the water/liquid medium. A paddle wheel,wastes energy by throwing water/liquid medium into the air to pick upoxygen.

FIG. 2 is a representative upper front perspective view of an in situbioreactor tube or container 200 of floating bioreactor system 100 ofthe present invention. In summary, in situ bioreactor is a bio reactorpaired with an aeration device such as a microbubble generator. Thepurpose of the microbubble generator is to generate highly oxygenatedwater which infuses microbes with the nutrients required to achieve veryhigh levels of process and treatment effectiveness and efficiency. Theaccelerated regeneration of microbes accelerates the naturalmineralization process, reducing treatment cycle times and virtuallyeliminating organic contaminant levels.

As best shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, in situ bioreactor tubecontainer 200 has an external slotted pipe structure 220 which has lotsof inner bores 220. Within each inner bore 220, enough microbial media210 should be loaded. In one embodiment, there is aeration tubing 230embedded within the slotted pipe structure 220. One end of aerationtubing 230 is connected to bioreactor hose 140 and subsequently tobioreactor pump 108. When the bioreactor pump 108 is on, it supplies airthrough aeration tubing 230 which tiny air bubbles are created. Airbubbles diffuse from the internal to the external surfaces of bioreactor200 and ultimately disperse to the surrounding water/liquid medium vianumerous inner bores 220 where microbial media 210 are contained. Theair bubbles supply both oxygen and nutrients to microbial media 210 andeventually disperse them into the surrounding water/liquid medium.

FIG. 3 is a representative view showing the method of application of thefloating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 3, floating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention isinstalled and immersed in the treated liquid medium 310. The waste 320is received via inlet pipe 312 and is discharged out through the outlet314 after treatment. In one embodiment, housing 102 is suspended andfloating with the assistance of floats 120 on both side. As best shownin FIG. 3, when the floating bioreactor system 100 is turned on,bioreactor 200 disperses microbes 360 which are originally contained inits inner bores 220. The tiny air bubbles 350 generated from aerationtubing 230 will further disperse microbes 360 out of the system whilecontinuously supplying oxygen and nutrients to the microbes 360.Eventually, the microbes 360 dispersed from bioreactor 200 willestablish themselves as the dominant species within the liquid medium310 being treated.

While at the same time, tiny air bubbles 350 are generated continuouslyfrom diffuser grids 130. The fine air bubbles 350 are more readilyabsorbed into water per volume of air compared to coarse air bubbles.Consequently, oxygen content is much increased in the treated liquidmedium 310. Moreover, the low head-loss of diffuser grids 130 combinedwith bioreactor 200 leads to a high efficacy for the microbialpopulation to the liquid medium being treated.

As shown in FIG. 3, microbial population 360 is dispersed frombioreactor 200 and move vertically away from the bioreactor 200 towardsdiffuser grids 130. Air bubbles 350 released not only support the lifeof the microbes 360 but also help evenly dispense microbes 360 out tothe liquid medium for treatment 310. As best shown in FIG. 3, thecombination of diffuser grids 130 and bioreactor 200 and moreimportantly their relative orientation in floating bioreactor system 100of the present invention greatly enhances the efficiency andeffectiveness in treating liquid medium 310.

It will be understood that biosolids and/or sludge handling requirementsare eliminated in the present invention. The biosolids are eaten up andconsumed by the microbes, thus eliminating the need for sludge andbiosolids handling equipment, disposal, etc. In addition, having themicrobes on the surface of the water increases the efficiency of oxygentransfer in the floating bioreactor system 100.

Test Results: Test Laboratory: Robinsons Land Corporation; Analysis No.:WA-10-217

Model: BioCleaner™ 1200 m3 system [16 HP]

Test Date Sample—Oct. 18, 2010; Analysis—Oct. 18-23, 2010 Sample Source:STP-Main Mall

Quantitative Water Analysis DENR Effluent Standard for SampleIdentification Influent Effluent Inland Water Method of (Lab. SampleNos.) (S10-WA-506) (S10-WA-506) Class C - “NPI” Analysis pH, as received6.41 7.26 6.5-9.0 Glass Electrode Method Temperature, ° C. 27.6 28.3Mercury-Filled Thermometer Chemical Oxygen 780.49 25.68 100 maximumDichromate Reflux Demand (COD), mg/L Method Biochemical Oxygen 721.26 <150 maximum Azide Modification Demand (5-days (Dilution BOD), mg/LTechnique) Settleable Solids, n/a 0.1 0.5 maximum Volumetric ml/L(Imhoff Cone) Method Dissolved Oxygen, n/a 6.58 Azide Modification mg/L(Winkler Method) Total Coliform, n/a <2 ≦10,000 Multiple Tube MPN/100 mlmaximum Fermentation Technique

As shown in the above Test Result, which the experiment and analysis wascarried out by an independent laboratory, after treatment by one of themodels of floating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention, theoverall quality of waste water improved significantly. Most notableresults included the BOD reduction from over 700 mg/L in the influentsample to a mere <1 mg/L in the effluent sample. The value of TotalColiform [E. coli] was also reduced to <2 MPN/100 ml. Both values areway lower than the DENR Effluent Standard for Inland Water Class C—“NPI,making the effluent sample Class AA water, better or equivalent todrinking water quality in those respects. The waste water was treatedonly by floating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention with nochlorination, no filters, no sludge handling and no chemicals, pre orpost treatment.

FIG. 4A is a representative view showing one method of adaption of analternative embodiment, viz. aquarium bioreactor and aerator system 400.As shown in FIG. 4A, floating bioreactor system 100 of the presentinvention can be adapted to be used in an aquarium. In one embodiment,aquarium bioreactor and aerator system 400 consists of air pump 414, airhose 413 and bioreactor and aerator combo 401. In one embodiment, airpump is a low wattage pump, approximately 2-3 watts, supplying air to insitu bioreactor and aerator combo 401 via air hose 413. In oneembodiment, bioreactor and aerator combo 401 is completely submerged inthe water 412. Preferably, approximately 150 grams by weight ofbioreactor and aerator combo 401 should be used for an aquarium of 81 to160 liters by volume. For smaller tanks with volume below 80 liters, 100grams by weight of bioreactor and aerator combo 401 should be used.

To sufficiently aerate a 100 gallon tank, air pump 414 should be around5 watts of power or approximately 0.07 watts of power per gallon ofwater. In one embodiment, regularly clean filter and the inner wall ofthe tank to prevent forming of biofilms. The system 400 works best inconjunction with a carbon filter 409.

The advantages of using aquarium bioreactor and aerator system 400include no odor, no sedimentation, controlled water pH value, variousset microbes for controlling nitrogen cycle, water and energyconservation, fishes that are more resistant to diseases, no need formechanical filter and no chemicals needed.

FIG. 4B is a representative side view of bioreactor and aerator combo401 of aquarium bioreactor and aerator system 400. FIG. 4C is arepresentative side partially exposed view of bioreactor and aeratorcombo 401 of aquarium bioreactor and aerator system 400. The mainpurpose of bioreactor and aerator combo 401 is to both generate tiny airbubbles for aeration and disperse microbes to clean up waste inaquariums. As shown in FIG. 4B, the exterior of bioreactor and aeratorcombo 401 is made of perforated stainless steel plate wherein numerousholes 420 are present. In one embodiment, bioreactor and aerator combo401 is cylindrical in shape with approximate dimensions in the range offour inches by two and a half inches in diameter. As best shown in FIG.4C, air generated from air pump 414 enters bioreactor and aerator combo401 via hose 413 subsequently rubber hose 408 inside bioreactor andaerator combo 401. Air will then reach air diffuser 407 and tiny airbubbles 415 are generated. Air bubbles 415 will then reach surroundingmicrobial media 406 where appropriate types and amount of microbial iscontained. Air bubbles 415 will provide oxygen and nutrients for themicrobial population to thrive and also disperse them out of bioreactorand aerator combo 401 via holes 420. The microbes produced by bioreactorand aerator combo 401 will feed on the fish waste and other contaminantin the aquarium making the water 412 clearer and odorless.

FIG. 5A is a representative view showing one method of adaption of analternative embodiment, viz. home septic bioreactor and aerator system500. Home septic bioreactor and aerator system 500 provides a method andapparatus for continuous, in-situ microbial seeding at the septic tank512. As shown in FIG. 5A, home septic bioreactor and aerator system 500consists essentially of home septic unit 501, air pump and air hoses511. In one embodiment, home septic unit 501 is an immersible containerwhich also serves as a bio-reactor. Home septic unit 501 is immersed inthe waste water 530 completely and is secured at the bottom of septictank 512 at footing 503 by mechanical means. In one embodiment, homeseptic unit 501 is also attached to cables 510 for support at handlebrackets 504 and has an air pump located above the septic tank 512.

FIG. 5B is a representative side view of home septic unit 501 of homeseptic bioreactor and aerator system 500. FIG. 5C is a representativeside partially exposed view of home septic unit 501 of home septicbioreactor and aerator system 500. Although home septic unit 501 can bein any number of different configurations, in one embodiment, homeseptic unit 501 is a roughly cylindrical hollow container having afooting 503. As shown in FIG. 5B, home septic unit 501 has a cap 505 ontop, numerous inlet holes 502 at the bottom and outlet opening 520 nearthe top half of the structure. In one embodiment, air enters home septicunit 501 via air hose 506 and diffuser hose 509. As shown in FIG. 5C,home septic unit 501 microbial media 507 in its core that store andproduce the microbes. In one embodiment, a diffuser unit 508 is placedat the bottom of home septic unit 501, which is powered by air pump.Diffuser unit 508 generates tiny air bubbles that provide oxygen andnutrients to microbial that is contained in microbial media 507 andsimultaneously creates vacuum that sucks in waste water 530 from inletholes 503 at the bottom. Waste water 530 travels upward inside homeseptic unit 501 and is then released at the top via outlet opening 520.During the journey upward, waste water makes contact with the microbialmedia 507 in the process and carries with it microbial when it isreleased back to open water.

By continuous adding a desired microbial population directly into wastewater 530 to be treated, the present invention 500 allows for demandgrowth and microbial acclimation based on the waste content within thesaid environment. The microbial agents generated by the presentinvention 500 are provided with a continuous supply of oxygen and/ornutrients by diffuser unit 508, such microbial agents can moreeffectively mineralize waste within an environment 530 being treated.The present invention 500 can specifically makes the septic tank 512 ofhouses into a small sewage treatment plant. Over time, the in-situmicrobial addition provided by home septic bioreactor and aerator system500 of the present invention shall make waste water 530 to acceptabledischarge level.

FIG. 6A is a representative view showing one method of adaption of analternative embodiment, viz. aero dynamic mixer bioreactor and aeratorsystem 600. FIG. 6B is a representative side view of aero dynamic mixerof aero dynamic mixer bioreactor and aerator system 600. In oneembodiment, aero dynamic mixer bioreactor and aerator system 600 is anaeration device adapted to be used in outdoor environment such as lakesand ponds. As shown in FIG. 6A, aero dynamic mixer is basically ahousing adapted to float within the liquid medium 609 such that the topportion remains above surface of the water/liquid medium 609. Theairlift device has been known for many years and essentially operates bysupplying air bubbles into the water at a predetermined depth below thesurface. Some of this air is absorbed into the water, which causes thewater to become less dense and rise towards the surface. The rising ofthe water causes circulation 608, which distributes the aerated waterand brings additional water toward the device for aeration.

Water 609 is aerated in an airlift device by use of a diffuser. When thediffuser is submerged in water 609, the movement of gas through thedevice causes bubbles to emerge from the pores and into the water 609.In one embodiment, the aero dynamic mixer bioreactor and aerator system600 uses a patented porous rubber houses as a diffuser.

The present invention 600 is comprised of a series of porous diffuserscalled Aerogrids™ arranged in a way that they are in a straight line.These aeration diffusers are positioned in fiberglass frames that aresupported by floaters 603.

As best shown in FIG. 6B, above the surface are blowers 650 situated togive air to the diffusers. A skirt 606 varying in dimensions, dependingon the depth of the medium, wraps around the device 600 in such a way ithas openings 607 only at the top and bottom. A small opening 660 is alsonoticed on one side of the device 600 just below the surface. This willserve as a mouth to water 609 coming out created by the vacuum when thesaid present invention 600 is turned on. The present invention 600 iscapable of drawing water 609 and recirculating it in a very potentmanner. Also it is a mobile device that can easily hoist to a boat andmove from one location to another.

Although the inventions herein is to be understood that these are merelyillustrative of the principles and applications of the presentinventions. Therefore, it is understood that numerous modifications maybe made to the illustrative embodiments and that other modificationsmaybe devised without departing from the scope and functions of theinventions as defined by the claims to be followed.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods andmaterials are now described. All publications and patent documentsreferenced in the present invention are incorporated herein byreference.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear inillustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to thoseskilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement,proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in thepractice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adaptedto specific environments and operative requirements without departingfrom those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover andembrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the truepurview, spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A portable, floating aeration and microbial reactor system forcleaning sewage water, the aeration and microbial reactor systemcomprising: a rigid, semi-open and stable housing frame having two sidewalls and a back wall to half of its height, the housing frame furtherhaving a plurality of buoyant members attached on its sides such thatthe top portion of the housing frame remains afloat when it is submergedin sewage water of various density; an aeration sub-system furtherhaving a blower attached mechanically and sitting on top of the housingframe, a flat aeration grid device extending horizontally across theentire width and attached in the bottom half of said housing frame, theaeration grid device further comprises a plurality of porous plasticpipes having a gas permeable wall of thermoset polymer particles andthermoplastic binder in a minor amount thereby bonding said polymerparticles and creating a substantially uniform porosity through the pipewall along the length of the pipe, said porosity provided by a pluralityof micropores having an average diameter of about 0.001 inch to about0.004 inch along the length of said pipe for diffusion of gastherethrough and transfer to a medium, said thermoset polymer particleshaving a mesh size of about 60 to about 140 mesh, a plurality of airhoses connecting said blower to said aeration grid device; a microbialreactor sub-system further having an air pump attached mechanically andsitting on top of the housing frame, an elongated, tubular andexternally perforated microbial reactor portion extending essentiallyhorizontally across the entire width of said housing frame andunderneath said aeration grid device, the microbial reactor portionfurther comprises an inner aeration tube powered by said air pump, anperforated outside tube further having a plurality of slots, microbialmedia containing live bacteria imbedded within said slots, an air hoseconnecting said air pump to said microbial reactor portion.
 2. Aportable, floating aeration and microbial reactor system for cleaningsewage water, the aeration and microbial reactor system comprising: arigid, semi-open and stable housing frame having two side walls and aback wall to half of its height, the housing frame further having aplurality of buoyant members attached on its sides such that the housingframe remains afloat when it is submerged in sewage water of variousdensity; an aeration sub-system further having a blower attachedmechanically and sitting on top of the housing frame, a flat aerationgrid device extending horizontally across the entire width and attachedin the bottom half of said housing frame, the aeration grid devicefurther comprises a plurality of porous plastic, said porosity providedby a plurality of micropores having an average diameter of about 0.001inch to about 0.004 inch along the length of said pipe for diffusion ofgas therethrough and transfer to a medium, a plurality of air hosesconnecting said blower to said aeration grid device; a microbial reactorsub-system further having an air pump attached mechanically and sittingon top of the housing frame, an elongated, tubular and externallyperforated microbial reactor portion extending essentially horizontallyacross the entire width of said housing frame and underneath saidaeration grid device, the microbial reactor portion further comprisingan inner aeration tube powered by said air pump, an perforated outsidetube further having a plurality of slots, microbial media containinglive bacteria imbedded within said slots, an air hose connecting saidair pump to said microbial reactor portion.
 3. A portable, floatingaeration and microbial reactor system for contaminating water, theaeration and microbial reactor system comprising: a rigid frame havingan upper portion and a lower portion; a plurality of buoyant membersattached to the upper portion of the rigid frame such that the reactorsystem remains afloat when submerged in contaminated water; an aerationsub-system coupled to the rigid frame, the aeration system comprising ablower attached mechanically to and sitting on the upper portion of therigid frame, a flat horizontally-oriented aeration grid coupled to therigid frame intermediate the upper portion and the lower portionthereof, the aeration grid further comprising microporous tubing havinga plurality of micropores with an average diameter between about 0.001inch and about 0.004 inch along the length of said microporous tubingfor diffusion of gas therethrough and transfer to a medium, the aerationsub-system further comprising a plurality of air hoses connecting theblower to the aeration grid; and a microbial reactor sub-system havingan air pump mechanically coupled to the upper portion of the rigidframe, the microbial reactor sub-system further comprising an elongated,tubular and externally perforated microbial reactor portion coupled tothe lower portion of the rigid frame and extending essentiallyhorizontally and underneath the aeration grid, the microbial reactorportion comprising an inner aeration tube powered by the air pump, aperforated outside tube having a plurality of slots extendingtherethrough, the microbial reactor portion further comprising microbialmedia containing live bacteria imbedded within said slots, the microbialreactor sub-system further having air hose connecting the air pump tothe microbial reactor portion.
 4. The portable, floating aeration andmicrobial reactor system of claim 3 adapted for use decontaminatingwater in an outdoor stream.
 5. The portable, floating aeration andmicrobial reactor system of claim 3 adapted for use decontaminatingwater in an outdoor pond.
 6. The portable, floating aeration andmicrobial reactor system of claim 3 adapted for use decontaminatingwater in an settling pond.
 7. The portable, floating aeration andmicrobial reactor system of claim 3 adapted for use decontaminatingwater in a fish aquarium.
 8. The portable, floating aeration andmicrobial reactor system of claim 3 adapted for decontaminating wastewater from a residential septic system.
 9. The portable, floatingaeration and microbial reactor system of claim 3 adapted for use inconjunction with an aerodynamic mixing system for decontaminating wastewater.